The green channel facilities introduced in 2017 for 15 large taxpayers under the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) scheme have remained largely ineffective due to bureaucratic inaction, industry insiders say.

Designed to simplify customs procedures and expedite trade, the AEO status was meant to provide reduced assessments, fewer audits, and direct delivery of imported goods to factories.

However, businesses report that these benefits have not materialized, with some even facing increased complexities due to new customs regulations and audits.

“We found the AEO facility immaterial as import procedures remain as complicated as before,” said a representative from one of the AEO-registered companies.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) recently issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for AEO applications, but businesses find it overly complex and time-consuming.

Customs authorities now require a three-year audit of import documents before granting AEO benefits, further delaying the process.

Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, a member of the customs authority, stated that the AEO facilities would be enhanced with advanced digital configurations in the Asycuda World system. The NBR plans to expand AEO status to 100 businesses by 2026, with 50 applications currently under review.